A new study has found that improving pre-hospital stroke identification accuracy in women to match that of men will lead to significant health benefits and cost savings for all Australians.Published in the Medical Journal of Australia, the study sought to estimate the long-term gains in life years and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and the cost savings that could be achieved if ischaemic stroke was identified in women with the same level of accuracy received by men, versus the status quo.Western Sydney University lead researcher, Associate Professor Lei Si from the School of Health Sciences and the Translational Health Research Institute, said that women are 11 per cent less likely than men to be correctly identified as having a stroke by emergency medical staff.The study used a health economic modelling approach to quantify the health and economic cost of the missed opportunity to diagnose women as accurately as men are currently diagnosed, revealing that it costs the Australian public millions.“Our study shows that if we could match the accuracy with which men’s strokes are identified, women would gain an average of 51 extra days of life and nearly a month of life in perfect health — all while saving nearly $3,000 in healthcare costs per patient,” said Associate Professor Si, corresponding author of the study.“At the national level, this could translate to over 250 additional life years, 144 extra quality-adjusted life years, and $5.4 million in healthcare savings each year.”“This is an important finding because accurate and timely pre-hospital stroke identification increases the chance of receiving intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) within the critical 60-minute treatment window, which significantly improves patient health outcomes and saves medical costs.”Jordan Springs resident, Kelly Ryan, was only 32 years old when she suffered a stroke in September 2020 in the cerebellum posterior part of her brain after a chiropractic session left her with a bilateral vertebral artery dissection.At the time, her symptoms were loss of balance, blurred double vision, vomiting, and an ice-pick style headache, and she was incorrectly diagnosed with vertigo and a migraine.F.A.S.T is the current acronym commonly used in identifying a stroke, which includes noticing changes in a patient’s Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and acting in a Timely manner to receive treatment for the best outcomes.However, the F.A.S.T protocol does not capture all types of strokes and overlooks other stroke symptoms, including changes in balance, eyes and nausea that Kelly was experiencing.While both men and women can experience the classic F.A.S.T positive stroke symptoms, women are more likely to present with additional, sometimes subtle, symptoms that can easily be overlooked.“Initially, I was shrugged off as just having a migraine and vertigo, as I was not FAST positive, it took six hours to get a CT scan, and I was sent home with an outpatient appointment for an MRI a week later. It took a total of 2 weeks to be diagnosed as having a stoke,” said Kelly.“Had my stroke been recognised early on, I may have been a candidate for the clot-busting drug, which could have stopped or at least reduced the damage of the stroke.”“People all around the world have been through the same thing, sometimes even waiting months for someone to take them seriously, as medical staff are so focused on someone being FAST positive to diagnose stroke, people like me are falling through the cracks.”The study, ‘Health and economic benefits of improving pre-hospital identification of stroke in Australian women: a modelling study’ was led by a team of researchers from Western Sydney University, UNSW Sydney, and The George Institute for Global Health Australia and UK.

Goonellabah’s Tucki Tucki Creek is showing signs of ecological recovery thanks to the sustained efforts of two dedicated Landcare groups, according to ongoing water quality monitoring conducted by local environmental consultancy Ecoteam. Ecoteam was founded in 2003 with a handful of founding staff members and is a Lismore business success story despite challenges such as COVID and recent major floods, with 22 employees at present.Ecoteam very generously agreed to undertake detailed bi-annual stream and ecosystem health assessments on the Tucki Tucki Creek on a pro bono basis over a period of three years, commencing in December 2023. Since that start date, twice-yearly assessments by Ecoteam staff members have tracked the health of the creek at two key sites. Fresh water testing at Site 1 takes place upstream on the Tucki Tucki Creek near Birdwing Butterfly Gully in the area managed by Goonellabah Tucki Landcare, with Site 2 downstream at a pool and reach under Just Street Landcare’s stewardship. The monitoring program combines water quality testing, macroinvertebrate sampling, and fish surveys to evaluate stream health. Field teams measure in-situ parameters like pH and temperature using handheld devices, collect water samples for laboratory analysis, and assess turbidity levels. Aquatic macroinvertebrates are sampled with nets to gauge biodiversity and ecosystem health, while fish are surveyed using traps and nets to record species presence and abundance. These methods collectively offer a comprehensive picture of the creek’s ecological condition.Initial findings and ongoing challengesResults from the last two years indicate that water quality in the Tucki Tucki Creek has generally remained within Australian guidelines, with key indicators such as dissolved oxygen, phosphorus and turbidity staying stable. However, nutrient levels, specifically nitrogen and phosphorus, have exceeded recommended thresholds in recent sampling rounds. Total nitrogen peaked at 0.52 mg/L at Site 1 in June 2025, and phosphorus levels also rose above guideline levels, likely due to increased stormwater runoff from heavy rainfall events, which occurred prior and during the past two sampling assessments. Despite these nutrient spikes, heavy metals such as lead, zinc, and arsenic have remained low, suggesting minimal contamination from industrial sources.Encouragingly, biological indicators point to a healthier ecosystem. Macroinvertebrate diversity has increased; documented through improved macroinvertebrate assessment or ‘SIGNAL’ scores, which reflect better water quality. Fish diversity remains limited, with the Crimson Spotted Rainbow Fish consistently present, although their numbers fluctuate seasonally. Rarer species like Firetail Gudgeon and Catfish were only observed in December 2023, indicating that some aquatic fauna are still recovering.(Ecoteam scientists examining macroinvertebrates)Protecting our platypus populationPlatypus face threats nationwide and locally due to habitat loss and water pollution. While the creek’s current water quality remains within acceptable limits for platypus survival, levels of nutrients like phosphorus are approaching thresholds that could impact their populations. Elevated nitrogen and phosphorus levels can reduce aquatic invertebrate prey and degrade habitat quality, increasing the risk of decline. Maintaining and improving water quality through continued restoration and monitoring is vital to ensure the future of this unique species, which is sighted regularly at Tucki Tucki Creek.Looking ahead: continued monitoring and restorationGoonellabah Tucki and Just Street Landcare’s riparian planting and habitat restoration efforts appear to be making a positive difference, enhancing the creek’s resilience to storm events and improving overall ecosystem health. The next phase of Ecoteam’s monitoring program will include new sampling sites plus data collection over a further three years in partnership with Goonellabah Tucki Landcare on its significant new project site bordering on the Tucki Tucki Creek below Kookaburra Terrace and further East. Approximately 10 hectares is being planted as part of a project funded by the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust under the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program, supported by Lismore City Council’s Environmental Strategies Team. This extensive new site will add to the approximately 18 hectares of regenerating riparian rainforest already planted along Tucki Tucki Creek which is enjoyed and appreciated by so many residents and visitors. Ecoteam’s onging testing across the new site aims to provide a baseline to measure potential long-term improvements in water quality and creek health at the largest single riparian planting project ever undertaken by Goonellabah Tucki Landcare.Takeout from the water quality testingEcoteam senior environmental engineer and company director Lise Bolton oversees the water quality testing program, which provides the opportunity for a sizeable number of her scientific and other staff to undertake sampling and monitoring. (Ecoteam's Jacob and Anna using a fish trap in the Birdwing Butterfly walk)“We’re really happy to partner with Landcare groups and provide our knowledge and expertise on a sponsorship basis,” commented Lise. “We’d like to see the scientific assessment of the state of all our region’s waterways form the basis of an annual ‘Healthy Waterways Report Card’ which can inform everyone just how their favourite creeks, streams and rivers are doing.”“The encouraging signs from Tucki Tucki Creek’s waterway health and water quality monitoring underscore the importance of sustained ecological restoration and vigilant water quality monitoring and management,” said Lise, adding that “Support from local government to establish a more widespread and comprehensive Healthy Waterways program would bolster these efforts, ensuring that Goonellabah’s creeks remain vibrant habitats for native species and a vital part of the community’s natural landscape.”

A diet rich in vegetables and fruit is associated with reduced psychological distress, a detailed analysis of health survey data from more than 45,000 Australians has found.The study by QUT researchers based at Brisbane’s Translational Research Institute (TRI) found that people who consumed less than one serve of vegetables per day had 1.6 times the odds of suffering psychological distress compared with those who consumed five or more serves per day. Psychological distress is an umbrella term covering depression, anxiety and stress.Study first author Dr Kerri Gillespie from QUT’s School of Clinical Sciences, found the benefit of vegetable consumption appeared to be greatest in women.“Women appear to go on benefiting from vegetables in their diet up to five or more serves per day, while for men the benefit appears to peak at around three or four serves per day,” Dr Gillespie said.The study also found a correlation between fruit consumption and reduced prevalence of psychological distress, but mostly for women and only up to two daily servings.Study last author Professor Selena Bartlett, from QUT’s School of Clinical Sciences, said the findings were unexpected.“The findings are extremely significant because it’s an Australian study with a very large sample of more than 45,000 people. It’s very exciting,” Professor Bartlett said.“Correlation is never causation, and we have to be careful about that, but rarely do we think deeply about how diet affects our psychological health, and I think that's the beauty of the study.”Dr Gillespie conducted a second study of the association of diet with mental health based on an online survey of healthy adults.“We found an interesting pattern between the consumption of sugary soft drink and the risk of depression,” Dr Gillespie said.  “Having seven or more cups of soft drinks a week increased the odds of depression by almost five times. “Conversely, there appears to be a relationship between a high fibre diet and slightly lower anxiety.”Dr Gillespie cautioned that the study was based on a sample of only 129 people, but it showed patterns that could be looked for in a larger sample. Professor Bartlett said Dr Gillespie’s work added to the evidence of a link between diet and mental health.“Having the curiosity to ask these questions, that’s how these papers happened,” Professor Bartlett said.“We are not in any way saying eating more vegetables is a cure for mental health, but this research supports the existing health messaging recommending diets high in vegetables and low in sugar.“We hope this work will help the public and improve health and well-being, which is our role here at the Translational Research Institute,” Professor Bartlett said.The first study, Vegetable and Fruit Consumption and Psychological Distress: Findings from Australian National Health Survey Data, 2011–2018, was published in The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.The second study, The association of dietary components with depression and anxiety symptoms: findings from a cross-sectional survey, was published in Frontiers in Nutrition.

The Northern Rivers Rail Trail, Invercauld House and Contained in Nimbin have struck gold in the recent North Coast Tourism Awards.The Northern Rivers Rail Trail won Gold in the Adventure Tourism category, as well as Silver in the Tourist Attraction category.This year's win makes it back-to-back for the Rail Trail, as it won gold in 2024 in the Outstanding Tourism Start-up category.Late 2024 saw the completion and opening of the Lismore to Casino stage of the eventual 132km trail between Murwillumbah and Casino.There are two more sections to be built in the coming years (Lismore to Byron Bay and Crabbes Creek to Mullumbimby) before the final Mullumbimby to Byron Bay section completes the 132km rail trail.Dean Cooper, Regional Lead for the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, said the award is a powerful acknowledgment of the team’s vision, collaboration and community impact.“Winning Gold this year in the Adventure Tourism category is an incredible honour. It reflects not just a great visitor experience, but the combined efforts of multiple councils, community champions, trail operators and volunteers,” Dean said.“This win represents the success of multiple open sections from Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek and from Casino to Lismore, all of which have rapidly established themselves as iconic drawcards for the region.“We are grateful to Tweed Shire Council, Richmond Valley Council and Lismore City Council for their leadership in construction and ongoing operation. A huge thank you also to our trail users, local villages, supporters, and commercial operators. Without your energy and passion, this trail wouldn’t be what it is today,” he said“To be recognised with a win again this year—and as Silver award winners in the Tourist Attraction category— is testament to the continued momentum of the Rail Trail and its powerful connection to nature, local culture and sustainable tourism,” Dean said.Lismore was well represented at this year's awards in Byron Bay, with Invercauld House winning gold in the Business Event Venues category and Contained in Nimbin won gold in the Self-Contained Accommodation category.(Eli Fuller with his Gold medal award in the Business Event Venue category. Photo: Invercauld House)Karen Hirst from the Destination Lismore team said this year's gold winners will travel to Sydney for the NSW Australian Tourism Awards on October 14.The hugely popular Lismore Lantern Parade won a Bronze medal in the Festivals and Events category to wrap up a fantastic night for Lismore at the award ceremony."Congratulations to all our winners," Karen said, "They all raise the profile of Lismore and generate publicity for the region."

We are just over two weeks away from runners in the 2025 Darrell Chapman Fun Run taking off from Woodlark Street in Lismore's CBD.For those who have spent months training to be at peak fitness for the annual event, there is another opportunity to keep the fitness motivation going as we move into spring.The Alstonville Wollongbar Fun Run is back and is being held on Sunday, September 14, from 7am to 12pm at Alstonville High School for friendly competition and community fun.Lace up your sneakers and choose from a variety of distances to suit all fitness levels: 10km Run5km Run 3km Run 5km Walk1km Junior DashCommunity RelayWhether you're a seasoned runner, a casual walker, or a budding artist, there's something for everyone at this year's event, including prizes, plenty of activities, food and live music.Between races, you can also check out the Young Entrepreneurs Market.Running alongside the Fun Run, the Young Entrepreneurs Market, presented in partnership with D-Vine Creatives, is a vibrant showcase of young talent and creativity. This market provides a platform for young people to display their small businesses and handmade products. Explore a diverse range of offerings, including original art (paintings, drawings, and mixed media creations), handcrafted jewellery, crochet, sewing, badges and much more! It's a fantastic opportunity to support young entrepreneurs, discover unique treasures, and enjoy a vibrant community atmosphere. Organisers would like to thank their sponsors, as their generous support makes the Alstonville Wollongbar Fun Run possible: Allambi Care, Ballina Buslines, Daley Street Dental, Fitness Kidz, McGrath, Somerville Laundry and Lomax Solicitors, and Trident Fish & Grill.Register today at alstonvillewollongbarfunrun.com.au. For the market, stalls are $20 and can be booked here: https://www.trybooking.com/DDWCS.Don't miss out on an exciting day of fitness, creativity, and community spirit.

The NSW Government has announced Dr Katherine Clift as the state’s new Independent Biosecurity Commissioner, to provide expert advice and strengthen the state’s safeguards against biosecurity threats.Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin has welcomed the announcement that one of Dr Clift’s first priorities will be to provide advice on the state’s Cattle Tick Program.“The tick program has been running for more than 100 years in our region, to protect livestock in north-east NSW up to the Queensland border, where the tick is a well-known pest.“I have been working with farmers, veterinarians and farmers' organisations to get attention for this program and am very pleased to see it has been flagged as such an important issue for the Commissioner.“The NSW Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty, has asked Dr Clift to determine the most effective approach for the future management of cattle tick in NSW, and I thank the Minister for highlighting this as a priority.“Dr Clift will work with stakeholders in the beef industry in our region, review the present program and make recommendations for improvements to get more effective biosecurity outcomes.“Dr Clift is an internationally respected leader in biosecurity animal welfare, and regulatory reform, and recently held the role of Commonwealth Inspector-General of Animal Welfare and Live Animal Exports.“It was a Minns Government election commitment to set up the role of Biosecurity Commissioner to provide independent expert advice on biosecurity protection, detection and response. This year, the government has invested a historic $1.05 billion to protect the state’s primary industries and boost growth in the sector.”

Opening an amenity block isn't as exciting as opening a brand new world-standard skatepark, but it is a necessity, especially after many were damaged in the 2022 big flood.Member for Lismore and Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin joked that she knew all of the amenity blocks in the Lismore electorate as she drives it regularly, and she was happy they were being replaced.Sam Trimble Oval at Bexhill was the venue for yesterday's opening. It was the sixth new public amenities block opened in the past month, marking great progress in its goal of enhancing the comfort and accessibility of parks and rest stops in the community.Council received $7.5 million through the Community Assets Program, jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, to upgrade 20 public amenities across the Lismore Local Government Area.The six newly completed facilities in Lismore are located at:Nielson Park and Wade Park in East LismoreMcKenzie Park in North LismoreNesbitt Park Cricket and Lismore Lake in South LismoreSam Trimble Oval in BexhillCombined, these represent an almost $2.5 million investment in Lismore.Their debut follows the recent completion of new amenities blocks at Heritage Park and Riverview Park. Other facilities under construction include Lismore Railway Station and Nesbitt Park Playground.External designs and fixtures have been replicated across several sites, with floor plans adjusted to suit each location. This allows for improved maintenance and accessibility, with all now meeting current disability and ambulant access standards.“We listened to our residents, and we delivered,” says Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg.“It might not be the flashiest ribbon-cutting we’ve ever done, but it’s a big step forward for the community, and will make a real difference for families, seniors, and visitors alike.”(Left to Right: New Bexhill Amenities with canteen. Lismore City Council's Project Manager of Buildings, Hamish Bell, Bexhill Quarry Parklands Association, Des Harris, Bennett Constructions Steve Taylor, Kate Haber and Mick Furchtman, and Lismore City Council's Building Surveillance Officer, Steve Dillon and Mayor Steve Krieg.)Mayor Krieg said council received feedback from one person concerned about the new septic system potentially going underwater again."You've got to weigh up the pros against the cons. And if you drive past this oval anytime over the weekend, there's the cricket club that uses it and the school that uses it. You can see it's marked out at the moment for the athletics for the school. So, it's a well-used sporting facility."With Bexhill selling 45 new housing sites to the east of Bangalow Road near the shops and post office. It is likely the new facility will get a lot more use over the next five years.State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said the NSW Government will continue to deliver essential and practical services and amenities, like the toilets that we all need to use. “It is important that they are built back better with state and federal disaster funding.” For more information on public amenities upgrades, visit https://www.lismore.nsw.gov.au/Council/Projects/Current-projects-1/Lismore-Public-Toilet-upgrades

Finker Bubble owner Wen Chua was relieved to finally open her bubble tea shop on Keen Street a week ago. Wen arrived in Lismore about a year ago – and this It was her second attempt at trying to open the shop.In February, she was only three days away from opening - when Lismore’s biggest flood arrived and destroyed the new business.But, Wen knew she was not going to give up. Now, after months of renovations, she is now finally serving bubble tea to the Lismore community.“I always knew I would try and open again, I put a lot of money into the shop – and I had friends who helped me,” Wen said.“I love bubble tea – I know many people here haven’t had it before, and I want everyone to try it.”So, what is bubble tea?Bubble tea is a sweet drink, based on mixing milk with tea and adding toppings like coconut jelly, and popping balls – as well as fruit flavours such as strawberry, lychee and mango.Bubble tea is often referred to as a ‘chunky’ drink – because of the chewy pearls of tapioca that sit in the bottom of the cup – and you suck them into your mouth through a thick straw.It’s a drink that’s been popular with kids and adults all over Asia – and it’s a drink that Wen has grown up with.“As a child in Malaysia, nearly every day after school I would gather with my friends to drink bubble tea,” Wen said.“We would stand around in school uniform at the bubble tea stall on the street and drink bubble tea.”Wen said her favourite bubble tea is the one made with matcha tea, but the most popular one that’s sold in the shop is the brown sugar with fresh milk, cheese foam and boba (bubbles, or pearls of tapioca).“When you drink the cheese foam, you taste it first, then sip the tea, then combine it and the balance should be perfect,” Wen said.Finker Bubble will be open six days a week, Monday to Saturday from 11am to 8.30pm.This photo of the shop was taken by Wen just days before the flood arrived to destroy the shop.

For aromatherapist and holistic bodywork practitioner Anne Walker, finding a new space to open in since the floods has been tricky. But now, Anne’s business, Le Petit Aromatique Apothecary, has found a new home in Lismore’s Club Lane.In her new second floor premises, Anne has set up her massage clinic. But unlike her pre-flood shop location in the Star Court Arcade, she doesn’t yet have a shop front to sell her essential oils from. It’s something she hopes will change over time. For now, she’s just glad to be open again. ‘The little aromatic pharmacy’Anne first opened ‘the little aromatic pharmacy’ in 2019 after she visited the South of France and loved it.“Aromatherapy is very affiliated with French culture and I’d always dreamed of having an apothecary,” Anne said.“Usually an apothecary (pharmacy) is associated with herbal medicine but I wanted to open one dedicated to aromatherapy.“So, when I came back, I moved my massage clinic from Nimbin to Lismore and opened a shop front dedicated to selling over-the-counter aromatic medicine.“People would drop in and I would mix oils, creams or lotions on the spot. I would also do massages using essential oils.”The shop lasted three years, until the February flood destroyed her business.Like many other business owners, she had moved her stock up high, but it wasn’t enough.“I saved a few things that I’d put in the Star Court Theatre, but not much,” Anne said.“It was the second time I’d lost a business to flood – it happened to my previous business in 2017 as well.“Reopening this time took a while because I wasn’t emotionally ready for a long time. I needed to be in a good space to look after other people.“Then I found the Club Lane place when I was visiting the naturopath next door.“It’s a nice room with lots of light and a good affordable starting point for me.“I’m taking massage bookings and will have some apothecary items for sale and some flood stock is also available.“People can book in for consultations – I’ve been practicing remedial massage and reflexology for 20 years and bio-dynamic craniosacral therapy for ten years .“I also do aromatherapy massage and facials or feet treats.”Anne said she loves the essential oil single vetiver for grounding - but also likes to use rose, for grief and loss.The new Le Petit Aromatique Apothecary is located at Level 1, Suite 4 Club Lane, 71 Molesworth Street. If you would like to book in for an appointment, you can phone 0408 490 385, or visit Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lepetitaromatiqueapothecary   

When Serpentine Community Gallery volunteers were cleaning up after the February flood, they lamented the lost artworks of Lismore. Not just for the art that was lost from the gallery’s walls – but for all the artworks lost in local houses and businesses.That’s when the idea to put on a free art exhibition was borne - to gift ‘free’ art to Lismore’s empty walls and damaged homes.Now, in a show of good will from Lismore’s art community, an exhibition of free art will be held at Two Mates Brewery on October 8, and the community is invited to get some free artworks – or swap over ones they already have.Exhibition coordinator Cassie Can is now calling local artists to donate some artworks to go into the exhibition. Art is not a luxury“As we rebuild in Lismore, art can be seen as a bit of a luxury, but it’s important to bring beauty back to our homes and businesses too,” Cassie said.“So, we want to make art free to everybody in Lismore – because as a town, we all lost something.“So if you have any artworks you don’t want anymore, you can donate them to this free art exhibition - and give them new life on someone’s walls.“Kids can donate art too – and people can also swap any works they already have for new ones.“You can just show up on the day with art, or donate artworks prior to the event. Then, people can take home the art they like on the day.Uplift spirits“It will be a beautiful gesture of generosity and a part of the vision to uplift the spirits of the people in Lismore.”Cassie said some of the Lismore Art Club members were keen to donate artworks.“They are passionate about holding this event in a region where we have so many artists and art appreciators,” she said.Cassie said the local brewery was donating the exhibition space out of goodwill to help rebuild the local community.Local face painter Rachel Creamer will be at the free day, painting faces.Family friendly day“We can all mingle and it will be a family friendly event with activities too,” Cassie said ““There’s a lovely grassy space out the back with a kids playground and gazebo.“Rachel, a local face painter will be there and we’ll have a needle felting workshop run by Nimbin Textiles – but there are limited spaces in this workshop and you need to prebook for it.“Kyogle gelato cart and Sam’s burgers will be there providing food – and we are also looking for donations of cake for morning tea.”There will also be live music performances from 11am to 4pm, followed by more music until 8pm.On the day, people can also donate money toward helping Serpentine Gallery rebuild the local community gallery space.Serpentine Gallery president, Susan, said the rebuild of the gallery is slowly happening - and it is expected to be open for 'Ink and Mud' - an exhibition by local printmakers in December.Cassie said it’s hoped this networking event can be the beginning of local artists connecting again after the flood.“We can put this community back together and start working and inspiring each other again,” Cassie said.If you would like to get involved, donate art or cakes, contact Susan on 0409 056 976.The exhibition will be held from 11am to 4pm on Saturday, October 8 at Two Mates Brewery at 8 Engine Street, South Lismore.  

The Gilchrist Foundation is a new charity supporting educational and sporting scholarships for students of all backgrounds and disadvantage.The Foundation has been established by the Gilchrist Family, with the mission of identifying eligible students and young sportsmen and women and assist them to further their education or skills through financial assistance together with active engagement and mentoring.The inaugural Gilchrist Foundation Dinner is set to be an entertaining and educational experience and will be held at the Ballina RSL on Friday 7 October.The dinner will give guests an opportunity to learn about the Foundation, meet current students being supported and hear from former Australian Soldier Anthony “Harry” Moffitt and his story of Eleven Bats….combat, cricket and the SAS. More information can be found about Harry Moffitt at https://www.elevenbats.com.au/ The night will include a unique raffle where attendees can purchase a personally signed Adam Gilchrist cricket ball as a raffle ticket and be in the draw for some fantastic accommodation and experience prizes.There are also a large number of unique prizes on offer in the online Gala Auction. Bidders do not need to be present on the night for the auction as all prizes are online and can be bid on at anytime in the countdown to the night.Prizes include a range of interesting items including a vintage-style bespoke cricket bat replica as used by Adam Gilchrist during his stellar career, the opportunity to brew your own beer and holiday packages. Bidding is open at https://app.galabid.com/gilchrist/itemsGo to the Gilchrist Foundation web site https://gilchrist.foundation/ for all dinner and ticket details or phone Julie on 0431 764 776.

U-buds and Doobers (not Ubers) were on duty last weekend, driving hundreds of people to and from Nimbin’s annual MardiGrass drug reform rally and festival.Nimbin HEMP Embassy president Michael Balderstone said having the drug free drivers was great – allowing people to enjoy the pro-cannabis drug reform celebration without having to worry about the usual police roadside drug testing.“Thousands of people were in Nimbin over the weekend and they came from all over Australia,” Michael said.“There was lots of passion for the roadside drug testing laws to change. Cannabis users are frustrated about not being heard and the lack of reason that goes with police saliva testing.“It has nothing to do with being impaired, it’s just about the presence of weed.”“The police told me they got more people this year with saliva testing than last year,” he said. “But we will have to wait for the official figures to come out.“Were any of those drivers actually impaired? It’s a huge impact on country drivers if they lose their licences – they need to be able to drive around.”“The frustration is also about not being allowed to grow our own cannabis – and then have to pay high prices for the legally prescribed stuff – and then still not be allowed to drive while using it.”Despite the police drug testing van being present on the side of the road on the way into Nimbin, Michael said there were not many arrests this year.“But I’m still waiting for the official numbers from police – we’ll know by next week,” he said.The annual MardiGrass is normally held in May, but was postponed due to flooding earlier this year. Michael said crowd numbers were still good, despite the change of dates. “People seemed to have a good time,” he said. “They enjoyed the weather and it wasn’t too crowded.”“Next year, I’d like to hold it in May again. That coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Aquarius Festival – a week after MardiGrass, so we might do something together.”One of the highlights of the festival were live DJs in Mingle park from 5pm each day – and the spectacle that is the law reform rally parade (complete with the big joint) on Sunday afternoon.“This year, Ponyland made a fantastic float for the parade – it was best rally we’ve had in years,” Michael said.“At the HEMP symposium, speakers included West Australian HEMP party politician Dr Brian Walker who spoke about drug law reform.“The Kombie convoy on Saturday was great, so was the 420 and the HEMP Olympix.“This year was the first time we had the MardiGrass marijuana music awards – and the winner was a Gold Coast reggae group.“Gary the bullet proof monk won the pot art competition with his banner ‘The law is the crime’ that hangs outside the embassy.”

For the local Year 9 and 10 students who attended a problem solving workshop this week – it wasn’t just about finding solutions to real world problems.According to workshop organiser Karen Ramsay, from the Rivers Academy of STEM Excellence (RASE) – it’s all about creating a resilient generation of problem solvers, who are changing things little by little.Read more news: Air quality monitoring program opens to local schoolsThe RASE schools program has recently been recognised for its amazing results – and has won the NSW Government Secretary’s Award for an Outstanding School Initiative.Karen said the program has been running in 12 local schools since 2020 and works with students and teachers in Kindergarten to Year 12. Participating schools include Kadina, Richmond River, Albert Park, Bexhill, Dunoon, Goonellabah, Lismore Heights, Lismore South and Wilson Park.Dunoon Public School students at a STEM Design Thinking Process workshop.“The Rivers Academy of STEM excellence focusses on using STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) design thinking practices across the curriculum – in literacy and creative arts too,” Karen said.“It’s not a new way of thinking - businesses use it too.“We get our kids to think creatively and critically, rather than work out of textbooks.“We are getting them ready to face the world.“Today at a workshop, we have Lismore High School and three campuses of kids at a STEM process workshop.“We have Year 10 girls working on a problem about how to engage more year 10 girls in choosing STEM subjects.“This is their third day working on the problem and they brainstorm and identify why it’s a problem and what’s caused it. Then they work on their solution.“The idea is we keep things as authentic as possible, with real world problems - and they come up with amazing ideas.“The Year 9 boys chose any problem they wanted - and they chose to look at how there’s not much mental health help available here for young people Their solution is a mental health app.”Karen said the STEM thinking process they learn now are processes that will stay with the students as they move on from school.“The kids are also becoming more resilient - instead of thinking why the solution didn’t work, they ask why and what can I do about it,” she said.Karen and Zane - another RASE program staff member - attended an awards ceremony in Sydney last week, after successfully submitting the RASE program application into the Public Education Foundation, which manages the awards.They accepted a certificate on behalf of all the principlals in the academy. It was presented to them by Georgina Harrison, Secretary of the NSW Department of Education.

If you thought the taco love had left Lismore after the February flood, think again.Taco Love Bros owner Dylan Morris said it’s been a slow journey to get back to Lismore – but that he will reopen the Conway Street restaurant later this year.But first, he’s bringing all of his popular menu items from Taco Love Bros back to Lismore, at The Met, every Sunday.“Our home was innundated in the flood and we were forced to move to Casino - and we opened a business there on Barker Street,” Dylan said.“We are still displaced and living in Casino and not yet ready to open two businesses.“Before we open Taco Love Bros again, we want to be back living in Lismore again, but it’s going to take a while.“We will offer a better service to community when we are back home.”When the February flood hit Dylan’s Lismore business in February, he said it was fortunate he managed to save most of the shop gear.The building also fared well compared to other Lismore buildings that were completely submerged in the flood. Read about the shop beginnings: New taco business jumps another hurdle Still keen to be a part of the Lismore community, Dylan said he recently went to the Met for a beer one day and talked to Simon who is running the restaurant there.“Simon mentioned it would be nice to do a food collaboration,” Dylan said.“It would be a good way to be visible again and we could let the people of Lismore know we are coming back to our original location, while still having access to our food locally.“I loved the idea – it was a bigger venue and gave us a chance to offer our taste back to Lismore.”Taco Love Bros will be offering a taste of what they used to sell on their menu every Sunday at the Met on Keen Street from 1pm to 7.30pm. The menu includes tacos, nachos and quesidillas. Read more about Dylan: SUNDAY PROFILE: Taco Love Bros' Dylan Morris

Bread rolls, pies and Vietnamese food will be back this week when Millers Bakery opens its doors again.Six months after the flood, Millers Bakery owner Trent is happy to see work on the Woodlark Street bakery almost complete and hopes to be open this Wednesday or Thursday.“We are nearly ready to open – it just depends on the electrical work being finished,” he said.“It’s been a big job to get open again, but we have a good landlord who has fixed the floor and electricity to get the shop ready.“It’s lucky I have a big family here to help clean and repair things - without them, maybe we never would have come back."Trent said he and his family had taken on running the bakery only nine months before the February flood came - where he lost his bakery equipment to the water. “We have a big family business and have shops in East Lismore and Central too,” he said.The new Millers bakery will sell salad rolls, bacon and egg rolls and coffee – as well as pies, bread and a selection of Vietnamese favourites.“We’ll have pork belly roll and vermicelli rice dishes and beef soup,” Trent said.Millers Bakery will be open Monday to Friday, 5.30am to 4pm; Saturday 7am to 4pm and Sunday 7am to 2pm.

With our history of alternative lifestyles, it may not be surprising that microdosing psychedelics such as LSD or psilocybin is gaining popularity in the Northern Rivers region. So, Psychology student and Honours researcher Rebecca Bushby has decided it’s time to explore just what effects microdosing is really having on those who try it.Rebecca lives locally, but studies at Edith Cowan University – and she’s calling out for people to get involved with a confidential research study she’s doing for her Honours thesis.  “Lots of people are choosing to take psychedelics for depression, anxiety and ADHD,” she said. “But there’s not a lot of current research and we are still picking up from what was done in the 1980s.“There are considerable anecdotal reports of microdosing and a big interest in the topic of psychedelics in the Northern Rivers region, so I was hoping people could get in touch with me.“My study explores emotional competence and wellbeing in people who microdose psychedelics compared to those who have never consumed psychedelics.“The survey is confidential – we don’t take details from the person we are talking, particularly because we are talking about illicit substances.“We just want to understand why they are taking it and how.“Are they taking regulated doses and what are the effects? How does that correspond to their wellbeing.“We would like to see the practice decriminalized so people don’t have to do it unregulated.“With big pharma, we have to be careful how we approach it and bring some science behind it.“There have been clinical trials for psilocybin coming out and with mushrooms, we are able to extract at a certain growth size and calculate the correct amount to use.“Microdosers not have hallucinations or visual effects, but the underlying benefits combating suicide and depression are powerful.”Rebecca would like to hear from people in the next couple of weeks and is compiling an email list for people who want to find out the study results later. “This study will help contribute to the expansion of psychedelic research and education, and is an important extension to the growing field of psychedelic science,” she said.The study involves completing a one off anonymous online survey expected to take approximately 20-30 minutes.The study has been reviewed and approved by Edith Cowan University Human Research Ethics Committee. To take part, visit https://eaecu.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5ckZRrQe0ndyapgIf you have any questions or need more information please contact, you can contact Rebecca Bushby on rbushby@our.ecu.edu.au.

While NSW Forestry Corporation invites us to celebrate National Forestry Day today, conservationists are calling it a “day of shame for Australia”.At the heart of the issue is the logging of Australia’s native forests.Behind Forestry Corporation’s promise to plant 14.7 million seedlings to grow timber this year, is a long history of logging that doesn’t use plantation forests as the source.North East Forest Alliance spokesperson Sean O’Shannessey said the native forest logging industry “hides its appalling record of environmental vandalism behind the achievements of the sustainable plantation timber industry”.“There is no such thing as sustainable industrial logging in native forests,” Sean said.“Houses are not built out of native forest timber, they are built of softwood plantation timber.“Most of what they rip out of our threatened species homes is used for low value disposable products.“The most valuable products of our forests are water, carbon, biodiversity and tourism.“These are about 10 times the value of the trees taken by loggers, and are destroyed by driving bulldozers and chainsaws through them.“Courageous community volunteers are standing up for our forests all over NSW and will keep doing so until they are safe from forestry loggers."Forestry Corporation Forestry Corporation Chief Executive Officer, Anshul Chaudhary said “wood is the ultimate renewable resource, and the forestry cycle means organisations like Forestry Corporation can keep supplying the community with essential materials for generations to come”.“Native forestry is essential for sustainably supplying wood products for wharves, bridges, telegraph poles and our homes,” Mr Chaudhary said. “NSW’s two million hectare State forest estate and the renewable wood products it supplies actively sequester and store carbon.  “National Forestry Day also highlights the positive impacts of the state’s native forestry industry and the stringent environment it operates in. “NSW’s strict environmental regulations mean timber from native State forests is amongst the most sustainable in the world with the forests careful managed to provide timber while also supporting wildlife populations in concert with surround national parks and other forested land,” Mr Chaudhary said. “Timber harvesting operations take place in around 0.1 per cent of NSW forested land and all harvested areas are completely regenerated.” “In NSW State forests have been harvested for timber and regrown for over 100 years.“Today these forests are open to the public for free camping, mountain biking, four wheel driving and so much more. “

Lismore’s longest running vegetarian restaurant and ashram, 20,000 Cows, is about to be reborn in a new format - as the Wolf and Lamb Cafe.Since the North Lismore venue was destroyed in the February flood, owner Marijonas Vilkelis (Mari) has been trying to find a way to reopen, including running a GoFundMe fundraiser to reconstruct the building.But now, thanks to his inspired collaborators Jodie and Manny, Mari has found a new home for his signature dishes, in Nimbin.Mari, cooking inside the 20,000 Cows North Lismore venue.“Jodie was inspired to create a vegan restaurant for Nimbin,” Mari said. “So now we are working together to bring a vegan menu to the new cafe.“Manny makes Maltese vegan food at the markets and will do part of the menu.“Some of the 20,000 Cows menu faves like potato croquettes, mellawah and middle eastern dishes and curries will be too.”Damage inside the 20,000 Cows North Lismore venue after the flood.Opening dayWhile the new cafe is not ready to open yet, Mari said the three of them (and a handful of volunteers) have been working hard to get it finished. He hopes to be open before Mardi Grass on September 16.“We keep hitting snag after snag,” Mari said. “We said we’d be open two weeks ago, about a month ago and we are still not there. “So we aren’t taking bookings - we’ll just open doors when we are ready.”The cafe will be open days and evenings, from Wednesday to Saturday and is located on Cullen Street, next to Tribal Magic.The new cafe’s name Wolf and Lamb, refers back to Mari’s famous cookbook of his recipes. Maris said he chose the name because in the bible, the Prophet Isaiah wrote a prophesy about "a day will come when wolf and lamb ... will be at peace”.“It seemed like a worthwhile thing to work toward,” he said. “Most people say a wolf won’t be vegan, but the way nature is now, is consequential and we don’t know what it was at the begin of existence – it’s become that from something else.“Humans aren’t the same as back then. I like to think that if we stop creating death and suffering, then the load on the planet will lessen.”His vision of a safe haven inspired the concept of calling the restaurant an ashram – an ancient Sanscrit word for sanctuary.Damage inside the 20,000 Cows North Lismore venue after the flood.History and futureMari first opened 20,000 Cows in Bridge Street, North Lismore in 1996. It was his sixth restaurant.Mari said his love of making food started in 1979 in Melbourne after he did his first 41 day fast.“I had a vision to create a restaurant and so I went on to do that,” he said.“Opening again in Nimbin gives me a chance to finish off the tracks that I started.“Now, the new restaurant is hopefully stepping a stone to heaven.“I have a theme I like to work with – that the definition of professionalism is a procedure toward self redundancy“So I’ll be teaching other people to make the food.“It will be a relief to have income again, as I’ve been living off my savings all year."

It might seem strange, but the connection between ukuleles, Lismore floods and storytelling is taking local SCU academic Jeanti St Clair to the Byron Writers Festival this weekend.Jeanti will join a panel of speakers discussing how creativity plays an important role in communities recovering from natural disasters. “The journey back from the emotional and mental trauma of climate disasters is huge,” Jeanti said. “If we can take part in a gentle creative process, it can help process traumas.“Part of the work is to create events that provide gentle opportunities for people to engage creatively in processing grief and trauma.“Particularly with single experience events, often you can benefit from sharing your stories – it can be a creative and therapeutic expression.”Flood Stories ProjectJeanti’s Flood Stories project began in 2017 after the Lismore flood and culminated in audio walks through the streets of Lismore.The project continued this year after the February and March floods, when Jeanti again gathered flood stories from people in the Lismore community who had been affected by flooding.“I have now updated the Flood Stories website to make space for other projects - and I’ve teamed up with local photographer Raymond De Weerdt to capture pictures of civilian rescuers.“We are talking about holding an exhibition next year and publishing a book called 'Rescue', capturing the experiences of the flood rescuers, their terrifying moments on water and the experience problem solving in doing it.“After some of the rescuers told me their stories, they said ’I didn’t know if I could tell it again, but I feel better for it'.“The creative methodology helped them process their experience – they felt seen and acknowledged.”The Creative Recovery panelThe Creative Recovery panel will be at the Byron Writers Festival at 11.30am, this Sunday, August 28.Jeanti said on the panel will be other locals talking about a similar process of engaging communities in mental health recovery - talking about bushfire recovery and other projects in Wollongbar and Ballina.“I’m involved with a larger collective alliance of creatives, teachers and mental health professionals - and we all came together as the creative first aid alliance,” Jeanti said.Ukelele ClubAs well as her flood stories project, Jeanti is using the power of musical expression to help the Lismore community recover from the floods.“I’ve started the ukulele club and we will have monthly uke events where people can gather, strum and sing along ,” she said.“It activates positive hormones and switches on the vagus nerve and makes you feel happier.“Byron Music donated ukeleles and I’m giving them away to flood affected people who come to the club.”If anyone wants to join the uke club, look for Lismore Uke Club on Facebook for updates.Byron Writers FestivalThe 2022 Byron Writers Festival will take place this Friday 26 August to Sunday 28 August.More than 140 writers and thinkers will converge on Byron Bay to explore the theme ‘Radical Hope’ and celebrate the power of words with festival audiences.The event takes place on the grounds adjacent to Elements of Byron Resort (144 Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay) and includes five stages, hosting sessions on a range of topics such as the environment, social issues, the arts, science, crime, poetry, politics, memoir and fiction.This year’s line-up includes best-selling authors Trent Dalton (Love Stories), Hannah Kent (Devotion) and Rob Drewe (Nimblefoot), artist Ben Quilty (Free Fall) and actor Bryan Brown (Sweet Jimmy), authors and commentators Indira Naidoo (The Space Between The Stars), Sarah Wilson (This One Wild and Precious Life) and Julia Baird (Phosphorescence), prize winning poet Evelyn Araluen (Dropbear) Gardening Australia’s Costa Georgiadis (Costa's World) and British philosopher A.C. Grayling (For The Good of the World) amongst many more. 3-Day and 1-Day Passes are available as well as tickets to a selection of Feature Events and workshops. Tickets can be purchased online via byronwritersfestival.com/tickets or from the onsite Festival box office from Friday 26 August.